PRESYNAPTIC IONOTROPIC RECEPTORS

Recent studies have provided new insights into the role of presynaptic ligand-gated ion channels in modifying synaptic transmission. Along w ith a growing list of different types of presynaptic ionotropic recept ors and the cell types that express them, there have also been advance s in characterizing the molecular components of the receptors as well as the signaling processes that link receptor activation to changes in neurotransmitter release. Perhaps most striking is the recent converg ence of data from biochemical, molecular and electrophysiological stud ies, implicating presynaptic ionotropic receptors in the effects of ps ychoactive and addictive drugs.